For many horse enthusiasts, participating in equine rescue is an important part of a lifestyle that revolves around living and working with horses. What, exactly, is horse rescue? It’s the process of saving abused, neglected, and abandoned horses, as well as horses that may be at risk of going to slaughter. These rescued horses are then cared for, rehabilitated, and put up for adoption. Of course, great care is taken to ensure that each animal goes to a responsible home with loving caretakers who can provide an excellent quality of life for the newly adopted horse.
Most horse rescue organizations depend solely on volunteers and donations to fund their operations. Sadly, there are many more horses in need than there are resources available, so these groups are always seeking new contributions. Nearly anything that can benefit horses is accepted, including labor, money, riding tack, horse expertise, barn equipment, medical supplies, feed and hay, vehicles and trailers, office administration skills, and much more.
Here are 3 prominent nonprofit horse rescue organizations located in Atlanta, Georgia:
Georgia Equine Rescue League, Ltd.
P.O. Box 328
Bethlehem, GA 30620
770-464-0138
www.gerlltd.org
Dedicated to saving and rehabilitating starved, abused, and neglected horses throughout the state, the Georgia Equine Rescue League (GERL) works closely with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Equine Division. This law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating and impounding abused and neglected horses, but it receives no government funds to care for these horses once they are seized. GERL raises money to donate to this cause, and also works to assist the agency in other ways. For example, GERL trains officers in proper horse handling, and the group provides immediate, temporary stall space when needed.
Save the Horses
1786 Newt Green Road
Cumming, GA 30028
770-886-5419
www.savethehorses.org
Founded in 1998 by horse rescuer and activist Cheryl Flanagan, Save the Horses (SOS) provides a safe haven where abused, neglected, and abandoned horses can be cared for, rehabilitated, and then adopted out to responsible, caring families. With two separate Georgia locations (Cumming and Chickamauga), SOS is able to provide for up to 70 horses at one time.
Through media appearances and training programs, SOS strives to increase public awareness of the plight of these horses. The group also welcomes children, hosting educational, age-appropriate tours and other kid-friendly activities designed to familiarize children with horses. They include birthday parties, pony and hay rides, lessons in basic horse care, and visits to an on-site petting zoo inhabited by other small, rescued farm animals.
Stamp Out Starvation of Horses, Inc.
1111 John Wood Road
Clarkesville, GA 30523
770-596-5693
www.sosofhorses.com
Stamp Out Starvation of Horses (SOS) was founded by a small group of Georgia-based horse rescuers determined to end starvation and neglect among horses. In particular, SOS works to help individual owners keep their horses through economic hardships. The organization does this through a multi-tiered approach designed to improve the lives of horses in a number of ways.
For example, SOS maintains a relief fund that offers immediate, short-term financial assistance to horse owners in need. The group also works to reduce equine overpopulation by sponsoring low-cost gelding clinics in which male horses are sterilized by qualified veterinarians. Finally, SOS runs several networking and outreach programs designed to teach people how to care for horses properly.
